§ 46. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that numerous brickfields throughout the country are unable to resume operations owing to lack of capital; and whether, having regard to the fact that thousands of men suitable 824 for employment are receiving unemployed donation, he will take immediate steps to arrange advances of capital to all such brickfields in the interests of urgent problems of the building trade as also of national economy?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to answer this question. The Government have given assistance to the trade by placing orders with makers at prices ensuring a reasonable profit, and by making liberal payments on account so soon as the bricks were out of the kiln, and before actual delivery. These arrangements have produced satisfactory results, and it is hoped will have the effect of putting the trade on a sound footing.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs it not a fact that in many parts of the country building operations are entirely held up through lack of bricks, and what steps are the Department going to take to see that brickfields which are unable to obtain capital owing to labour uncertainty will get a start in the production of bricks?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYAll my information shows that it is not a fact that building operations are being held up for lack of bricks.